Vladimir Keilis-Borok: a Biography

V.
I. Keilis-Borok (1921-2013) is the founder of computational seismology and the
pioneer of advance predictions of critical events in complex systems, including
earthquakes, presidential elections, economic recessions, surges of
unemployment, and crime waves. Among successful advance earthquake predictions made
under his guidance are Irpinia earthquake in Italy
(1980), Loma Prieta earthquake in California
(1989), Chile earthquake of
2010, Japan
earthquake of 2011, and many others.

V. I. Keilis-Borok developed new
paradigms in the study of structure and dynamics of solid Earth. His trademark
style involved exceptional organizational talent and insight that enabled him
to make seemingly impossible connections between different fields of research
and different groups of experts, often breaking the barriers between high
theory, numerical modeling, and data analysis.

His outstanding achievements are
recognized by memberships in many academies and international scientific
organizations, including National Academy of Sciences of the USA, Academy of
Sciences of the USSR, Pontifical Academy of Sciences, Academia Europea, Royal
Astronomical Society, and others, as well as through awards and honors, and by
the respect and devotion he inspired in his friends and colleagues.

This
book contains his brief biography and reflections by his family, friends, and
colleagues—a tribute to this truly remarkable man.